Democrat wins special election to replace disgraced Oregon congressman

FILE - This undated photo released by the Suzanne Bonamici campaign shows U.S. Congressional candidate, and former Oregon state Senator, Democrat Suzanne Bonamici. (AP)

PORTLAND – Democrat Suzanne Bonamici has won a special congressional election to replace David Wu, an Oregon Democrat who resigned last year after a woman accused him of making an unwanted sexual advance.

Bonamici was the favorite in a district where Democrats outnumber Republicans and where President Barack Obama enjoyed significant support in 2008. She defeated Republican Rob Cornilles, the owner of a consulting business who said he was best qualified to create jobs.

Bonamici is a lawyer and a former state senator. She was helped to victory by a barrage of ads from national Democrats and their allies, who spent more than $1 million attacking her rival's business record. Republicans spent far less to boost Cornilles.